No Longer Road Weary: Patriots Sack Bills, 17-10

The much maligned Randy Moss and Patriots’ defense stepped up in a very big way against Buffalo for the team’s first true road win of the season. New England now stands at 9-5 and has opened a two game lead in the AFC East.

It wasn’t pretty, but as they say a win is a win is a win.

Buffalo came out with an impressive opening drive led by the ground attack of Fred Jackson. However, a costly penalty in the red zone made the drive fizzle. The Bills had to settle for a field goal and a 3-0 lead.

Randy Moss shut up his detractors with a 5 catch (one for a score), 70 yard performance. His bounce back performance was highlighted by a toe tapping touchdown at the back of the end zone. His stellar score gave the Patriots a 7-3 lead in the second quarter.

The New England running game picked up the slack for the ineffective passing attack. Laurence Maroney (23 carries for 81 yards and a score) ran hard, held onto the ball, and scored a breathing room touchdown to end the half.

Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk complimented Maroney nicely. The trio amassed 109 yards on 34 carries on the day.

Brady was off his game and the weather in Buffalo wasn’t a factor. Moss was the recipient of 70 of Brady’s season low 115 yards (1 td and I pick). He seemed to miss Welker (4 catches for 40 yards) repeatedly and just couldn’t find his groove.

The defense came to play and in a very big way. Without Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork, they hassled the Buffalo quarterbacks all game sacking Fitzpatrick and Edwards six times(three by Tully Banta Cain). They also reeled in one interception.

However, New England yet again made every Pats fan say, “Here we go again!” New England couldn’t close the game and Fitzpatrick hit Josh Reed to cut the deficit to 17-10 with three minutes left.

Buffalo attempted an onside kick and recovered the ball, but another costly penalty (11 penalties for 124 yards) sealed their fate. The Patriots ran out the clock and recorded a very important conference and division win.

The Jets, Dolphins, and Bengals all suffered last minute heartbreaking losses. Now the Patriots find themselves seeded number three in the AFC and two games up in the AFC East.

With a win against Jacksonville next week, the Patriots can clinch the AFC East.

Patriots’ nation can now breathe with a sigh of relief.

Joe Gill is a featured blogger for Boston Sports Then and Now, Rootzoo.com and Trufan.com